Nkechi Agwu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nkechi Agwu
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| Born | October 8, 1962 Enugu, Nigeria
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| Nationality | Nigerian-American |
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| Known for | Mathematics |
| Awards | American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges Award |
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| Fields | Mathematics |
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| Thesis | Using a computer laboratory setting (CLS) to teach college calculus (1995) |
| Doctoral advisor | Howard C. Johnson |
Nkechi Madonna Adeleine Agwu (born October 8, 1962) is a mathematics teacher. She is a citizen of both Nigeria and the United States. She teaches at the Borough of Manhattan Community College in New York City. She also used to lead the college's Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Scholarship.
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Early Life and Challenges
Nkechi Agwu was born in Enugu, Nigeria. Her parents were both teachers. During the Nigerian Civil War, her family supported the Biafran side. Their home was damaged by bombs.
In 1968, Nkechi, her mother, and her siblings left Nigeria. They went to refugee camps in Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. After leaving the camps, they found her grandmother's house had burned down.
Most of her family returned to Nigeria in 1970. Nkechi stayed in Freetown, Sierra Leone, to continue her schooling. She attended Fourah Bay College Primary School and Annie Walsh Memorial School.
Education Journey
In 1980, Nkechi Agwu returned to Nigeria. She studied mathematics at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She earned her bachelor's degree with honors in 1984.
Her university teachers encouraged her to study further. She went to the University of Connecticut for her graduate studies. She started there in 1987. Before that, she worked as a government statistician and a lecturer at Kaduna Polytechnic.
Nkechi earned her master's degree in mathematics from the University of Connecticut in 1989. She then moved to Syracuse University. There, she completed her Ph.D. in mathematics education in 1995. Her Ph.D. research was about using computers to teach college calculus.
Career and Contributions
Nkechi Agwu became the Coordinator of the Teaching and Learning Center. This was at the Borough of Manhattan Community College.
In 2009, she led the New York City branch of the American Association of University Women. Her goal was to encourage girls and women in STEM fields. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
In 2014, she visited Nigeria with a special fellowship. This fellowship helps experts from the African diaspora share their knowledge.
Ethnomathematics: Math in Culture
Nkechi Agwu is very interested in ethnomathematics. This is the study of how mathematics is used in different cultures. She developed a math course that included writing.
Her work explores how storytelling can help students understand math better. She also studies the math patterns in African art. This includes Ndebele dolls, African textiles, and the game of Mancala.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Nkechi Agwu is involved with a children's ministry. She has written books about her faith and mathematics. One book is called God's Own: The Genesis of Mathematical Story-Telling.
She married Nicholas C B Ogbonna. They had a son, Ngozichukwuka Jacob A D Agwu. Nicholas Ogbonna had worked as a Red Cross volunteer. He passed away due to health complications.
Helping Others with Chi Stem Toys
Nkechi Agwu helped start a non-profit organization called Chi Stem Toys Inc. This group helps young people, women, and people with disabilities. It teaches them business and STEM skills.
They learn to create dolls inspired by their cultural heritage. They use recycled materials for this project. This idea came from Nkechi's research in ethnomathematics.
Recognition
Nkechi Agwu is recognized for her work in mathematics. She is featured in a special deck of playing cards. These cards highlight notable women mathematicians. The cards were published by the Association of Women in Mathematics.
